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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 03-23-2008, 07:52 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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I thought it would be interesting to find out the reasoning behind choosing a revolver for house, concealed carry, pocket carry, etc over a small semi auto being flatter, easier to reload and faster to reload under stress, more rounds available Blah-blah-blah? Also, how many of you carry a semi auto with the revolver as backup, or carry a semi auto most of the time? Who switched from a semi auto back to a revolver and why?
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Old 03-23-2008, 07:52 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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I thought it would be interesting to find out the reasoning behind choosing a revolver for house, concealed carry, pocket carry, etc over a small semi auto being flatter, easier to reload and faster to reload under stress, more rounds available Blah-blah-blah? Also, how many of you carry a semi auto with the revolver as backup, or carry a semi auto most of the time? Who switched from a semi auto back to a revolver and why?
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Old 03-23-2008, 08:09 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Hi Tom;

I've always carried a revolver primarily. Used to carry a Colt 1911 on occasion but imagine that I've toted the same ol' Model 10 Heavy Barrel about a jillion miles in 30+ years.

It's easy to give the reason why. The revolver is simply more reliable for six shots. Sure, it's possible for a squib load to tie up a revolver but not all squib loads do tie up the revolver like they do an automatic.

There's nothing else made that can more reliably deliver six shots (well five sometimes...or seven or eight these days).
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Old 03-23-2008, 08:12 PM
David Lee Valdina David Lee Valdina is offline
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Not 100% on target, but I choose a revolver for reliability and having said that, I will sometimes choose a Kel-Tec .32 as it is flat, weighs little and carries in pocket better than anything else.
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Old 03-23-2008, 08:17 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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very simple, I got tired of stuffing mags for autos.
I like the simplicity of just opening the cylinder and dropping in the rounds, closing it and Im ready to shoot,
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Old 03-23-2008, 08:20 PM
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Because I dont like progress. Seriously, I own a highly worked over remington rand by packmyer. I hardly look at it. I have owned 6 or 8 other types through the years. They just never turned me on. Unless I am in a banaazi attack I probley feel more sure of myself with my revolvers. I could write pages on this. I think a lot of my mentality on this stems from a youngster up it was revolvers, both in actual training and the movies. My dad was a very conservative gunman, wouldnt have a auto anything. He didnt belive in spray and pray, and I dont. Also a the newer generation of autos I hate the plastic and gadgets. Its partialy a generation gap image. I have owned lugars, smith 39s, radom, browning HP, some colts etc. They are gone. My revolvers aint!
Maybe its because I used to reload and didnt like getting on my knees hunting brass. We could go on and on.
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Old 03-23-2008, 08:20 PM
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Started with a revolver, carried a semi-auto for the majority of my career. However I have developed arthritis in both thumbs. The semi drives the recoil into the thumb and it hurts like crazy, even with a 9. The revolver places the recoil lower in my hand and does not bother the thumb.

That being said, I had come full circle and was on my way back to revolvers. Nobody was buying my ammo and I like to shoot. So that means reloading. Revolvers leave the cases in a nice little pile.
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Old 03-23-2008, 08:24 PM
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They are the original point and click interface. The ultimate in simplicity of use.
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Old 03-23-2008, 08:32 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Quote:
choose

I like and carry both. But in general the "cool" factor with a revolver is just higher... in other words, I simply cannot justify it I just like it.
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Old 03-23-2008, 08:59 PM
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I started carrying a 1911 government model when I was 18. Carried it for years until I started Getting back problems. Then I started going back and forth between the 1911 and a 3 inch model 19. Now all I carry is a model 10 or the model 19. My brother asked me why I didn't choose a Glock or something In a lightweight auto. I told him that once a Glock is loaded and on your hip along with an extra magazine or two are you really carrying a lightweight rig any more. I have found that a K fame with two speedloaders on the hip are easier on the back than anything else.
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Old 03-23-2008, 09:17 PM
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I carry a revolver all the time. My 625 has full strength springs. All the screws are kept tight. My ammo is BETTER than factory loaded because I KNOW the primers have anvils and priming compound, the case has a flash hole and the cartridge has powder in it. Unless something breaks, I KNOW my revolver will fire every single time no matter how poorly it has been gripped, how close to my clothing it is held or how hard it is pressed against an adversary. My ammo is held by a steel clip and not some plastic or sheet metal box with a spring inside. My revolver just plain works, period. Given a choice, an auto is simply a second rate choice.

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Old 03-24-2008, 05:33 AM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Because at my age, when I pull the trigger I want it to BANG! When there is a bump in the night, I don't want to have to try remember through the fog, are all the sateties ON or OFF, did I rack one in the chamber, is it single or double action....etc etc?
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Old 03-24-2008, 05:51 AM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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There is just something cool about being on the range when the younger generation shows up with their wizbang wonder guns, and you out shoot them with a wheel gun! I do carry both, but more and more am leaning towards my 64 and 60, or 640 as my CCW battery.
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Old 03-24-2008, 05:53 AM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Safety. Simplicity. Reliability.

Like feralmerril, I am also something of a neo-Luddite. I hate change and I usually consider what most folks think of as progress as another setback.

I often use a single-action .45 Vaquero as the house gun or truck gun, and I carried a "Sheriff's Model" reproduction Peacemaker for concealed carry for a while.
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Old 03-24-2008, 05:55 AM
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As others have said, simplicity.

They go bank when you pull the trigger, and if they dont, you just pull again.......
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Old 03-24-2008, 06:08 AM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Simplicity and there is nothing sexy about an auto.
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Old 03-24-2008, 06:38 AM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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I grew up with revolvers. I carried one during my LE career. I was in a couple of squabbles and the old Model 58 did it's job.

When I got out of LE I went through the 1911 pistol phase because of dirty carry conditions on a ranch.

Now I'm back in town and carry a revolver again.

Bottom line..... TRUST!
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Old 03-24-2008, 07:15 AM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Concealed "carry" : If it FTF then just pull the trigger again. It's always the first shot that counts!

Combat: High cap auto
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Old 03-24-2008, 07:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Iggy:
I grew up with revolvers. I carried one during my LE career. I was in a couple of squabbles and the old Model 58 did it's job.

When I got out of LE I went through the 1911 pistol phase because of dirty carry conditions on a ranch.

Now I'm back in town and carry a revolver again.

Bottom line..... TRUST!
Did you find revolvers less relible than a 1911 in dirty conditions? Even if carried in a good holster?
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Old 03-24-2008, 07:27 AM
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1. ease of carry
2. simplicity
3. reliability
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Old 03-24-2008, 07:38 AM
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I haven't seen the old saw, so I'll throw it in

" Revolvers for defense, semi's for offense"

My corollary is that people who INTEND to do harm move to increase capacity; people who intend to LIMIT harm move to increase efficiency

On a more personal note, I enjoy the interaction with my revolver. I supply the energy to make it work through my DA trigger pull . . .while springs are involved, they are not as "in control" of the outcome as in a semi-AUTOMATIC which depends absolutely on proper balance of recoil springs and magazine springs

As an instructor once said, "I'd rather be well hung than well sprung!"
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Old 03-24-2008, 08:10 AM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Another "neo-Luddite" here.

Just not a big fan of autos. I have a S.A. 1911 that I bought sometime in the 90's. It's OK, it's accurate and reliable and all, but it just simply does not fit my hand, no matter what I do. It's very unnatural. Does NOT point well. I also absolutely DETEST manual safeties of any kind.

I'm exceptionally old fashioned in most every way, and most non-1911 autos are just "too modern" for my tastes!
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Old 03-24-2008, 08:31 AM
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Revolver AND auto fan here ...I like variety.
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Old 03-24-2008, 08:32 AM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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MS,
No, I just didn't want the fine sands, grass seeds and everything else floating around dirtying up my nice guns.

I never had a problem with reliability of revolvers in 13 years of holster carry as a Highway Patrolman, but air conditioned cars are different than saddle horses and dirt bikes.
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Old 03-24-2008, 09:58 AM
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I used an issue 1911 in the Marines. I was an instructor at Quantico for .45's, rifles ( M-16 ) and M-60 machine guns.
.45's were OK just like the 16's were OK .... but I never really developed a .. feel? or maybe more of an attachment to either of them like I did with my machine guns and my M-14.
Acoupkle of years later I used S&W .38's at the D.C. dept of corrections and did feel a connection right away.
Probably more old fashioned than anything else.

Still like most revolvers .... still think autos are OK. Didn't even consider one when I went looking for my hand gun.
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Old 03-24-2008, 10:37 AM
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I like the Series 80 Colt a lot, but when I wasn't actually practicing with it for a while and went back to it, I found that I could shoot my revolvers (including a cut-down 25-2) a little better.

I also like my SIG 225 a lot. So far, it is just as reliable as a revolver. But the trigger pull for the first shot is certainly nothing to brag about - not as good as my DAO 2" M15, and not as good as my DA 25 or my DA 520.

I also have a fully functional 1026 which rates the same comments (and has the same operating controls) as the SIG. I have a Beretta 92FS which works perfectly well, but it is slightly larger than optimum.

My revolvers all work fine. They did yesterday, they will tomorrow. I'm sure I'd trust my Colts (SS Gov't & LW Cdr) if I used them a bit more often. I trust my SIG regardless. But my revolvers shoot better at the moment, and I trust them whether I've used them recently or not. I can shoot them well DA, and I can shoot them very well SA. If I've practiced with one, I've practiced for them all. And it's not such a production to unload them and put them away, nor to get them out.

Simple, safe, reliable.
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Old 03-24-2008, 11:20 AM
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I just feel like there is less change for an AD with the revolver. I bet the USAir Pilot that just had an AD wishes he had had a revolver. See the CNN web site.
+1 for the revolver for defense and an auto for offense.
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Old 03-24-2008, 11:54 AM
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I like both. Both revolvers and semi-autos have been around 100+ years, so you don't really have to exclude either if you're anti-change.

My opinion - a lot of semi-autos have become very reliable in the past couple decades+...so much so that there's no practical difference, if one makes careful selection of each.

I'm dissappointed with the quality of the new S&W revolvers. Having scrutinized a couple of new ones recently. I'd just as soon carry my most modest ($100 surplus) semi-auto.

Now ... the older S&Ws and Colts are a different matter...made when quality was not a hit-or-miss proposition. Still, I'd put most of my semi-autos against any revolver made, in terms of reliablity, accuracy, and firepower. That doesn't mean I don't have a soft spot for revolvers...I clearly do...but they are hardly infallible.
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Old 03-24-2008, 12:07 PM
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Revolvers aren't as sensitive to different loads & immediate action drill is as easy as pulling the trigger again. Besides I like the look & "feel" of a wheel gun.
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Old 03-24-2008, 01:25 PM
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I bounce back and forth between a Beretta 96 Compact and one of two Smith wheelguns, a 642 and a 386. The 642 is my always gun and the Beretta usually only sees duty when I am wearing jeans.

I like, as others have said, the simplicity of the revolver. With the weight of my 386 and 7 shots of 357 magnum, I feel adequately prepared for anything, primarily because I am always carrying. I don't ever go without it due to weight or being uncomfortable wearing it.
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Old 03-24-2008, 01:45 PM
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Like many have said RELIABILITY.The little snubs like my 442 also feel more comforable no matter how I carry it when compared to an auto and I really am sure that it will be ready if its ever needed.Revolvers are what I started with on the job and towards the end of my career when we changed over to autos I never really felt comfortable with them.I know revolvers and for me they are just the perfect fit.
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Old 03-24-2008, 01:46 PM
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I too prefer the simplicy and reliability. Some additional reasons I strongly prefer revolvers:

1) A revolver is easier for me to deal with for day to day use. It is easy to load and unload. No need to worry about the slide of an auto perhaps pushing the bullet of the first cartridge back into the case. Easy to see at a glance that a revolver is loaded.

2) I shoot revolvers for fun and competition. Since 99% of the time at the range I'm shooting a S&W revolver, it just makes sense--at least for me--to also carry a S&W revolver and have one in my nightstand. Probably a mistake to switch to another platform when I use a particular one so much.

3) A revolver encourages dry-firing. I'm an old Bullseye shooter and a huge believer in lots and lots of dry firing. The SA trigger on a good revolver is such a joy in itself that it encourages you to dry fire the thing. And with a revolver, you can practice multiple shots or rapid fire by working the DA trigger. Hard to do that with an auto. But with a revolver, if you have ten spare minutes and a safe backstop, well.....dump the cartridges and do a bit of dryfiring!

4) The shape of a revolver, with its complex curves, just suits me better. A concealed revolver held next to my skin doesn't dig in and irritate me the way a boxy auto does. And revolvers tend to fit my hand much better, and therefore "point" much better.

5) I reload. I like having 100% of my brass go straight into a coffee can for the trip back to the reloading bench.

6) Accuracy. Sure, a .22 auto can be plenty accurate, and a target grade centerfire auto can also be accurate (at the expense of tight tolerances). But in my opinion, there is nothing quite like a good revolver for its combination of stone reliability and superb accuracy.
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Old 03-24-2008, 02:04 PM
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Habit....pure and simple.

I started out with a wheel gun 40 years ago and, since it always worked for me, I never saw the reason to change.


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Old 03-24-2008, 02:10 PM
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I shoot a revolver extremely well out to about 75 yards. I shoot an autoloader average out to 25 yards. Which would you carry were you me?
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Old 03-24-2008, 03:28 PM
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I have found that I feel more comfortable
with my 19 my or 66 than any semi-auto.

However, the gun you choose must feel "right" and comfortable in "your" hand.
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Old 03-24-2008, 04:04 PM
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Hmmmmmm...

I go back and forth on this one. Mostly carry a 66-2 out and about. It is the go to gun...

My 1911's have never holstered CCW well for me. Just not comfortable. The New SR9 is getting carried alot now. It is svelte, doesn't have the grip safety and hammer. Yet it feels like the 1911. Don't know. I might start making that the go to gun in the future...

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Old 03-24-2008, 04:36 PM
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I have a SIG P250 and a S&W 19-3. I carry them both but I tend to gravitate to the revolver. I don;t know why; it may have to do with the fact that I packed one on the job when I was in probation & parole, and it is comfortingly familiar. I trust it. There is something about it that is reassuring and trust-inspiring. I'd like to see S&W bring back the K-frame magnum as a "Classic" model.

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Old 03-24-2008, 04:43 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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I'm getting older and don't like to bend over to pick up brass anymore. That said, I have developed much better accuracy with revolvers since I got too lazy to chase brass. I also can honestly say I have never had a revolver not go bang when it was supposed to. I can't say that for SA's.
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Old 03-24-2008, 05:21 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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I have two carry guns. A 45 auto for holstered carry, and a J frame for concealed carry. I would not carry an auto concealed in my clothing because I'd be afraid it would hang up on the cloth or maybe get lint in the action. I can stick my 642 in my pocket with or without a pocket holster and know that I can yank it out of my pocket without it snagging anything.
So if I go in the woods, it's the 45 auto in a holster. Around town, where I don't want people staring and saying "that guy has a gun!", it's the snubbie.
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Old 03-24-2008, 05:30 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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function and wallop.
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Old 03-24-2008, 06:11 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Lots of great thoughts regarding carrying a revolver over a semi auto so far. For me, I just shoot a revolver better than a semi. Perhaps it is my age (late 50's), but I so enjoy the feel of a revolver over a semi. When you find the right stocks for a revolver, then you have a marriage made in Heaven. A good K, L, or J frame just seems to disappear when concealed. Never worry about the butt end sticking out and screaming "gun".

Just my .02 worth. For me, I love my revolvers. So much so that I only have 3 semi autos left ... and they are my Glocks. Just can't seem to part with those ugly, extremely reliable semis!!

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Old 03-24-2008, 06:50 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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For me its the "shoot & scoot" factor. I like knowing that if circumstances force me to shoot, I won't have to look for my brass before I leave. Not saying I ever intend to do anything that is not 100% justified by the law, but who knows what circumstances might dictate? Getting gone may be the best course of action and I don't want to worry about a pile of evidence left behind.

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Old 03-24-2008, 07:11 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Quote:
Originally posted by CW3PA:
Revolvers aren't as sensitive to different loads & immediate action drill is as easy as pulling the trigger again. Besides I like the look & "feel" of a wheel gun.
Oh yeah ... then there's this too.
You look at an auto and wonder is it a pellet gun ?? is it loaded ??????
You look at this, and it just kind of removes any doubt at all that you are about to be in serious trouble.
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Old 03-24-2008, 07:18 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Oddly enough I cut my centerfire teeth on the 1911, and carried a LW one for my first couple of LEO years. Then was forced to carry a DA revolver and got appointed instructor/range officer. decided I might as well try to get good with one and went to work on it.

By the time the agency decided that semiautos weren't the spawn of Satan after all, I was very happy with my DA .357 and saw no need to "upgrade". Also saw too many malfs on the range with fairly competent people and factory ammo. OTOH my revolvers went through two barrels and never stuttered once.

I still shoot the 1911 now and then, and like it, but I shoot the revolver better and carry it.
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Old 03-24-2008, 07:41 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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I go back and forth depending upon the day. However, more often than not I leave the house with wheelgun on my hip.
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Old 03-25-2008, 12:16 AM
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Those from the SigForum know I am new to handguns.

For me a handgun is a revolver. An auto is a machine that dispenses lead. I like cleaning my revolver more than the auto. I like understanding the parts, being able to get to all the dirt and grit.

Carry is just so easy. Help please. I do want to carry a "45 auto" but I may be happier with a 28oz revolver with 5-8 rounds of similar ammo:
230 gr (15 g) JHP 850 ft/s (260 m/s) Any suggestions? *Edit* will start a new thread for this. Thanks.

I dont care about having a "tactical offensive" high capacity mag. I am happy with my use of speed loaders for prolonged gun fights.

I will carry 95% of the time. Of that I will always have my 340PD and I will have a backup on me whenever possible. My revolver will always be my close at hand home defense piece, the auto will be in a lock box.

If I may ramble on more. I enjoy having 4 good holsters for the J frame. OWB SERPA paddle, IWB Kydex, soft IWB, Fobus ankle or just any little pocket. As a new gun owner I have also enjoyed using two very different grips. And using four very different rounds (and then subtile different grains of each). One little gun has offered a wide range of shooting experience.
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  #47  
Old 03-25-2008, 01:40 AM
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I'm a disciple of the late great Bill Jordan, one of the greatest wheelgun man who ever lived. Consequently, I have always been an advocate of the double-action revolver for defense. Semiautos are fine, and it's really all a matter of what you're most comfortable with. I have a Sig-Sauer P226 which has rested on my nightstand on occasion; but my 4"-barreled Model 66 .357 is my preferred home-security weapon.
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Old 03-25-2008, 08:39 AM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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I have carried a revolver for 10 years now. I learned how to shoot on a revolver; I carried autos in the military and as a cop. I carry revolvers as a cop because they are reliable very very concealable and have great stopping power. I think also with a revolver the revolver shooters shoot better due to the fact that they have 6 rounds not 16 and we make every shot count..If I miss you with an auto HELL I have 15 rounds left to try to hit you with.. With 6 rounds you tend to shoot a little bit straighter and make them all count.
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Old 03-25-2008, 12:03 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Actually I don't carry. At least that I'll admit to.For around the house I prefer a revolver. It goes bang first time and everytime. Also the distinct sound of a revolver being cocked will get somebodys attention. Kind of like the sound of a pump gun being racked. There is no mistaking that sound.
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Old 03-25-2008, 04:45 PM
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Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry? Why did you choose a revolver over a semi auto for carry?  
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Grew up with revolvers, I like autos too, but just seem to shoot revolvers better, its what id reach for in a serious situation.
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